Mladenov knocked out in Sofia derby

CSKA Sofia coach Stoycho Mladenov was left fuming after he was knocked unconscious by a snowball thrown from Levski Sofia fans on Saturday.

Visiting CSKA won 3-0 in snowing conditions but Bulgaria’s biggest fixture – know as the ‘eternal derby’ – was marred by crowd trouble as Mladenov was hit in the head and fell to the ground during the early exchanges which halted the match for several minutes.

At least 57 supporters were detained by Bulgarian police prior to kick-off, with the country’s interior ministry revealing most fans were caught carrying missiles, torches, knives, a sword and a machete.

“They hit me with a snowball and I lost consciousness,” Mladenov told reporters.

“It’s not the first, second or third Levski offence.

“They should throw them out of the group. Tomorrow, someone could die.”

Police were also forced to intervene during the closing stages as Levski fans attempted to make their way onto the pitch.

CSKA’s clashes with Levski are known for crowd violence after a 30-year-old man was killed by a firecracker that landed on his back and exploded as he sat at a cafe in October 2000.

Mladenov’s CSKA are seven points clear of UEFA Champions League participants Ludogorets after 13 rounds in the Bulgarian A Football Group, while Levski are 11 points off the pace in fourth position.